Ghana is advancing a new investment drive with Spain to boost agro-industrial development, placing strong emphasis on tomato cultivation and processing as it works to cut import dependence and expand export capacity.
The plan was outlined in Barcelona during discussions between Ghana’s Vice President, Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, and executives of GB Foods, forming part of a wider effort to strengthen agricultural value chains and increase domestic output.
She noted that government backing across the agricultural sector would enhance both farming and agro-processing activities.
“We look forward to mutually beneficial relationships as we expand and encourage local farmers,” she said, stressing that smallholder inclusion remains a key priority.
She further explained that such collaborations would help ensure stable supply, generate employment, and improve living conditions in rural communities while contributing to overall economic growth.
Teddy Ngu, Director of Corporate Affairs for Africa at GB Foods, disclosed that the company has secured approximately 6,000 hectares of land in the Afram Plains.
He indicated that the move follows supply disruptions, including export restrictions imposed by Burkina Faso.
Highlighting the role of technology in agriculture, he pointed to significant differences in yield levels between Ghana, Spain, and China, noting that improved methods could dramatically raise productivity. He added that yields in Nigeria had already increased from five to 60 tonnes per hectare, expressing optimism that Ghana could achieve similar results.
The collaboration is expected to enhance food security over the long term, reduce reliance on imports, and accelerate agro-industrial growth.
It also forms part of Ghana’s broader strategy to tackle recurring shortages in local tomato supply, which have traditionally been filled through large-scale imports to meet both consumer and industrial demand.
The Afram Plains initiative is set to become a key production centre, with plans to use irrigation systems and modern farming techniques to boost output and minimise post-harvest losses.
Experts say the deal signals rising interest from European agribusiness investors in West Africa, particularly in areas such as value addition and supply chain resilience, as countries aim to modernise agriculture and strengthen food systems.
The agreement is also expected to broaden economic ties between Ghana and Spain beyond agriculture, encouraging knowledge exchange, increased investment, and sustained industrial cooperation across important sectors in the years ahead.